Union of Orthodox Rabbis Says Legalized Abortions Are Still Violation of Principles

Marking the fourth anniversary of the condemnation of abortion by more than 700 rabbis in Jerusalem on the 18th of Adar in the Hebrew year 5727, the Union of Orthodox Rabbis here declared today that “abortion, even when legislated by the state, does not cease to be a flagrant violation of the basic and fundamental religious and ethical principles.” The Union’s executive director, Rabbi Meyer Cohen, added in his statement that “sanction by the state of abortions has an additional aspect of evil, for it undermines the very bases of society’s regard for the sanctity of human life.” Rabbi Cohen said that “human life, including the life of an unborn child, is one of the most sacred things,” and “mere human legislation cannot change that status.” He contended that “the fact that the unborn child is innocent and defenseless makes abortion doubly sinful and repugnant,” and a “transgression against religion and against humanity.” Rabbi Cohen noted that “In extreme cases, such as a pregnant woman’s serious illness, competent Orthodox rabbis should be consulted, and they in turn, after ascertaining her condition from competent physicians, will decide upon the merits of the case, and their decision is to be followed.” But, the UOR official emphasized, “abortion in general is prohibited in Jewish law.”